Converting cubic centimeters to cubic meters (cm3 to m3) is a common volume unit conversion. While it’s easy converting centimeters to meters, it’s more challenging dealing with cubes. These two example problems show the best way to convert cm3 to m3 and back again.
Cubic Centimeters to Cubic Meters Conversion Factor
The conversion factor between cm3 to m3 is:
m3 = cm3 x 0.000001
m3 = cm3 ÷ 1000000
m3 = cm3 ÷ 106
It does not matter which conversion factor you use. They all give the same answer.
Cubic Centimeters to Cubic Meters Dimensional Analysis
(100 cm)3 = 1 m3
How do you get that? Start with the conversion from cm to m.
100 cm = 1 m
A cubic meter is a cube that is 1 meter wide, 1 meter deep, and 1 meter tall.
1 m3 = 1 m x 1 m x 1 m
Substitute the conversion factor for meters to centimeters:
1 m3 = (100 cm) x (100 cm) x (100 cm)
1 m3 = 1,000,000 cm3 = 106 cm3
cm3 to m3 Conversion Example Problem
Q: How many cubic meters are in 250,000 cubic centimeters?
Multiply the conversion factor to the 250,000 cm3. Put the unit you want to cancel out in the denominator.
This arrangement lets us cancel out the unnecessary units, leaving only the unit we want.
0.25 m3 = x m3
Answer: 250,000 cm3 is equal to 0.25 m3.
m3 to cm3 Conversion Example Problem
Q: How many cubic centimeters are in 5 cubic meters?
Multiply the conversion factor to the 5 m3. Put the unit you want to cancel out in the denominator.
This setup cancels out the m3 units.
5 x 106 cm3 = x cm3
A: There are 5 x 106 (5 million) cubic centimeters in 5 cubic meters.